FAQ
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the First Level Master in "HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT"?
It is a First Level Master* established at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Mathematical Sciences of the Università Politecnica delle Marche, named “HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT”.
*The Master’s Course found on this page is NOT a Master Degree.
What is the academic year of reference for this Master?
The academic year of reference is 2025-2026.
On what topic should the thesis work be developed and who should approve it?
The thesis work must be developed on a topic to be presented to and approved by the scientific committee.
What is the main location of the Master and how are the lessons conducted?
The course will mainly be held online with synchronous lessons. There will be 3 weeks of in-person activities: one at Oxfam Supply Centre (Bicester, UK), one at the Università Politecnica delle Marche (Ancona Campus, Via Brecce Bianche 12) and the third one at a location in Italy to be defined by partner and collaborating organizations.
Who is responsible for managing student careers?
Student career management is entrusted to the PhD and Postgraduate Office.
What can the master's final paper deal with?
The thesis work may develop one of the topic addressed also during the placement, but it does not end with a simple report of the internship.
Objectives and Career Opportunities
What training demand does the Master satisfy ?
The Master’s program prepares professionals to work effectively in the dynamic field of humanitarian logistics. It combines broad interdisciplinary knowledge with specialized technical and strategic skills, while fostering key personal qualities such as flexibility, adaptability, and strong teamwork abilities. The program focuses on developing a responsible approach to logistics that values efficiency, effectiveness, and respect for environmental and social principles.
What are the educational objectives of the Master?
The educational objectives of the Master are to develop a strong interdisciplinary and intersectoral path through theoretical and practical modules, laboratory activities, individual study and research, exercises, seminars, testimonials, case studies, and simulations, culminating in an internship period to consolidate knowledge and skills.
What professional profile does the Master intend to train?
The Master aims to train experts in humanitarian logistics and supply chain management capable of operating within emergency contexts, with the aim of training figures immediately operational in the field.
What are the career opportunities for Master’s graduates?
Graduates can pursue roles in organizations operating in emergency and humanitarian contexts, where they will be able to respond quickly and professionally to complex logistical challenges with efficiency and effectiveness.
What are the macro-modules into which the Master's program is divided?
The macro-modules are: First module (Setting Definition), Second module (Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain), Third module (Humanitarian Logistics: Thematic Areas), Fourth module (Transversal logistician’s skills).
Is attention paid to the socio-environmental impact in humanitarian intervention?
Yes, in addressing all topics, particular attention is paid to the socio-environmental impact of humanitarian intervention, with the aim of making it inclusive, equitable, and with reduced environmental impact.
What are the key elements that guarantee the excellence of the Master?
The key elements are: a didactic path that involves scientific, academic, and professional expertise of national and international importance; a design and operational management that uses expert professionals in supply chain, design, and innovation applicable to the humanitarian sector; the academic recognition and certification of the training path.
Who conducts the Master's training activities?
The training activities are conducted by university professors and humanitarian sector professionals with proven field experience and teaching skills.
With which organizations is the Master in partnership?
The Master is based on a partnership with third-sector organizations (NGOs), governmental organizations, and associative entities operating in the national and international humanitarian context. You can check them out on our partners page.
Structure and Duration
What is the overall duration of the Master?
The Master has an annual duration for lessons, but the total completion period will be longer than a year due to the internship, exams, and thesis development.
What is the total number of hours for the Master?
The total number of hours is 1500.
How many CFUs (ECTS credits) are obtained at the end of the Master?
60 CFUs are obtained at the end of the Master.
How are the hours distributed (classroom lessons, alternative teaching, individual study, internship, thesis)?
The 1500 hours (60 CFUs) are distributed as follows:
- 38 CFUs (400 hours of classroom lessons, 186 hours of alternative teaching, 364 hours of individual study)
- 12 CFUs (300 hours of Internship)
- 10 CFUs (250 hours of Master’s thesis)
How many internship hours are planned and where can they be completed?
300 hours of internship are planned, to be carried out within UNIVPM Departments, public institutions and bodies, companies, non-governmental organizations, and associations operating in the humanitarian sector. Students can also propose external organizations.
Will the course start in January 2026?
Yes, the course will start in January 2026.
What are the modalities for conducting the didactic activities (online, in-person)?
The Master’s program is specifically designed to accommodate working professionals and participants located in different time zones, following a hybrid model that ensures maximum flexibility.
Online Attendance:
Most of the teaching activities are conducted online and live (synchronously).
Schedule:
Classes are held outside regular working hours, typically on weekday evenings (Monday to Friday, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. CET) and alternate weekends (Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. CET).
In-Person Sessions:
The program includes three intensive in-person weeks, structured as follows:
- Week 1 (April 2026) – Bicester, UK
- Week 2 (June 2026) – Ancona, Italy
- Week 3 (October/November 2026) – Final simulation week and in-person exams (location in Italy TBC)
Attendance at the in-person sessions is not mandatory but highly recommended to fully benefit from the hands-on practical activities.
How are the lessons and assignments spread out over the month?
GENERAL NOTES:
This calendar graphic provides a sample month for illustration purposes only.
Through this example students can figure out the required work load.
Please note that the actual schedule could vary. For instance, months like January will include two consecutive weekends without exercises, and adjustments will be made for holidays and in-person activities.
Students can also expect:
- One Saturday per month dedicated to specific activities.
- A break planned for the month of August.
Is attendance mandatory for online synchronous classes?
Yes, attendance is mandatory, and students may miss no more than 30% of sessions. To be counted as present, students must keep their webcam on during the entire class. This, along with active and respectful participation, ensures meaningful interaction with instructors and classmates, encourages collaborative learning, and preserves the high-quality, participatory experience that defines the Master’s program.
Is this course considered a master’s degree that provides access to a PhD programme?
No, this course is not classified as a master’s degree. It is a professional programme organized under the autonomous responsibility of the university, and therefore does not grant access to PhD programmes.
Is the Master conducted in English?
Yes, the Master is conducted in English.
Can the lesson schedule be subject to change?
Yes, the emergency and unpredictable nature of the work of the operators involved in the Master’s teaching means that the hourly breakdown of the various disciplines and the related lesson schedule may undergo changes during the course.
Admission and Enrollment
What is the minimum and maximum number of students admitted to the Master?
A minimum of 12 and a maximum of 40 students are admitted.
Will the Master only be activated upon reaching a minimum number of enrollments?
Yes, the Master will only be activated after reaching the minimum number of enrollments.
What are the admission requirements for the Master (qualification)?
For Italian applicants:
A First Level Degree (EQF Level 6) obtained from any Italian university, or an equivalent qualification earned abroad and recognized as suitable by the Organizing Committee, is required for admission.For international applicants:
If you hold a foreign qualification and wish to apply, you may send an email to hlmaster.univpm.info@gmail.com including your transcript of records, CV, and a copy of your passport for a preliminary eligibility check.
What is meant by Auditors?
Auditors can be admitted to the Master’s program even without the minimum required degree, provided they demonstrate strong interest, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and have adequate English proficiency (self-declared in their CV). Admission is subject to the Organizing Committee’s positive evaluation of their professional experience and motivation. Auditors do not receive the final degree but can access online and in-person (with prior insurance) didactic activities, including recorded lessons and materials. They are not eligible for internships.
Is it possible to enroll conditionally if the final degree exam has not yet been taken?
Yes, it is possible.
Does UNIVPM provide scholarships for internships according to the regulations?
According to the regulations, the Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM) does not provide scholarships or any kind of financial aid. However, if public or private entities, professional associations, or companies make total or partial scholarships available, immediate notice will be given on the University’s website (www.univpm.it).
Furthermore, facilitated contributions and additional reserved places may be provided for candidates selected for internship activities at public/private entities that, through agreements with the University, will guarantee reimbursement of board and lodging expenses for their assigned interns and/or provide a significant economic and organizational contribution for the practical exercises of the Master.
Ex-Student Testimonials
